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Darkness Lurks Beneath the Surface
Feast of Valentine follows a former ballerina turned bartender seeking a fresh start, who returns home to Pottersville, where the town’s supernatural pull engulfs her in romance she never wanted. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of places that seem to have a will of their own—towns that pull people in and refuse to let them go. Pottersville became that kind of place for Angie, the protagonist. I wanted to explore the tension between free will and fate, especially when it comes to love and desire. The inspiration also came from themes of isolation and how the past never truly lets us go. Angie returns home seeking a fresh start, but she quickly realizes that Pottersville has other plans for her.
The setting is also inspired by small-town mysteries where darkness lurks beneath the surface. The supernatural elements reflect the unseen forces that manipulate us, whether societal expectations, personal demons, or something else.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I’m drawn to the complexities of desire, fear, and the struggle for control. One of the most fascinating aspects of the human condition is how we often want things that aren’t good for us—or resist things that are. That push and pull between choice and compulsion creates tension that makes for great storytelling.
Another theme I find compelling is identity—how we define ourselves versus how the world defines us. In Feast of Valentine, Angie struggles with who she is and what is being forced upon her, mirroring a real-world experience that many people can relate to.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror and the paranormal intrigue me because they allow us to explore fear in its purest form—whether it’s the fear of the unknown, the loss of control, or even love. In Feast of Valentine, the supernatural serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape our lives, often beyond our control.
Paranormal elements give me the freedom to delve into deeper themes through a heightened, almost dreamlike lens. Love, for example, can be both intoxicating and terrifying at the same time. Writing horror also allows me to challenge expectations—because not all love stories are romantic, not every homecoming is a fresh start, and sometimes, the real monster isn’t lurking in the shadows—it’s the one smiling right in front of you.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, Feast of Valentine is the first book in the series. I’m currently working on another project, but the next book will also take place in Pottersville. However, it will feature a new cast of characters and explore a different set of themes.
Author Website
“It held me spellbound until the very last page, leaving me eager for more.” –Literary Titan
In the quaint town of Pottersville, Angie, a former ballerina turned bartender, seeks a fresh start away from the demanding world of ballet.
However, her quest for independence encounters unexpected challenges during the town’s legendary Valentine’s Day festivities. As romance and mystique intertwine, Angie finds herself irrestibly drawn to a man she doesn’t truly love, struggling to maintain her autonomy.
With the towns’s historical secrets slowly unraveling, Angie must confront the dark forces of an ancient tradition.
Can she reclaim her will or will she be forever caught in a supernatural struggle that dictates the heart?
An Evocative Voice
Visage of Moros follows a man searching for answers over the death of his daughter, only to have it turn into an all-consuming need for justice, leading him down a path of paranoia, violence, and self-destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s hard to pinpoint the initial conception of the narrative in my mind. I think it was more of a gradual, collective thought processes. It’s interesting that you mentioned the movie Prisoners in the review because I believe that the movie, along with Memento, had significant influences on the shaping of the story.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Some were pre-drafted in the initial plot outline but I think most came to me as I further embraced and developed the scenes and the characters.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I ventured outside of my comfort zone a little bit with this story as this is much closer to home than my other works. But, just like my other writings, I strive for an evocative voice that embodies the style and the essence of my storytelling.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Currently, I am simultaneously and intermittenly working on the sequel to Visage of Moros and another collection of stories.
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A riveting tale of suspense, the first installment from the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
In the wake of the brutal murder of his daughter, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.
Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.
Visage of Moros
Tamel Wino’s Visage of Moros is a gut-wrenching descent into grief, obsession, and vengeance. It follows Drystan Caine, a man hollowed out by the loss of his daughter, Alba. What starts as a desperate search for answers turns into an all-consuming need for justice, leading Drystan down a path of paranoia, violence, and, ultimately, self-destruction. Told through fragmented, time-jumping entries, the novel blurs the lines between past and present, sanity and madness, memory and reality. Wino doesn’t hold back. The prose is haunting, poetic, and unrelenting, making the reader feel every ounce of Drystan’s pain and fury.
What stood out to me immediately was the sheer rawness of Wino’s writing. There are no clean edges here. Every sentence drips with anguish and exhaustion, pulling you into Drystan’s unraveling psyche. One of the most powerful moments comes when Drystan, at the police station, sees another missing person’s flyer and is momentarily convinced it’s Alba before realizing it isn’t. It’s a simple, brutal moment that encapsulates his denial and desperation. The writing has an almost cinematic quality, immersing the reader so deeply that it’s hard to step away.
Another thing I liked was the book’s structure. The shifting timelines and diary-like entries make it feel like a jigsaw puzzle, with pieces missing and some jammed together forcefully. It’s disorienting, but that’s the point. This isn’t a straightforward story about grief; it’s a chaotic spiral into obsession. One chapter, Drystan is reliving a happy memory of Alba and the next, he’s drinking himself into oblivion while fixating on a potential suspect. There’s an especially harrowing scene where he attacks a sculpture he and Alba once worked on together, as if physically trying to destroy his own memories. It’s these moments of self-inflicted violence that make the book so emotionally exhausting and so powerful.
The novel is unrelentingly bleak. There’s no reprieve, no light at the end of the tunnel, just a slow, steady march toward devastation. That’s not a criticism of the writing itself, but it does mean that this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It reminded me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy in that way, beautiful but punishing. There are no easy resolutions, no catharsis, just a man drowning in sorrow. Some readers might find that frustrating, but for me, it made the book memorable.
I’d recommend Visage of Moros to readers who appreciate dark, psychological fiction and don’t mind stories that leave bruises. If you’re drawn to character studies about grief, trauma, and revenge—think Sharp Objects meets Prisoners—this book is right up your alley. Just be warned: Wino doesn’t let you off easy, and neither does Drystan.
Pages: 463 | ISBN : 9781069182401
Feast Of Valentine: Where Love Binds More Then Just Hearts (Pottersville’s Dark Valentine Book 1)
Angie had no clear vision for her future, but she knew one thing for certain, love had no place in it. Her return to Pottersville was born of necessity, not nostalgia, spurred by the passing of her mother. Though she found herself back in her childhood home, her stay was meant to be temporary. Yet, Pottersville had a way of holding onto people, especially as Valentine’s Day approached. The town’s very identity was entwined with love, its defining statue, the Heart Binder, standing as a symbol of unity, reinforced by the town’s mantra: Bonded by Heart, Together We Stand. But for Angie, love was about to reveal itself in starkly contrasting forms, one freely given, the other imposed. How she responded would shape the course of her future.
Christopher Clark’s Feast of Valentine is a gripping romantic thriller that threads the eerie history of Pottersville into the lives of Angie, her sister Alicia, and the men who orbit them. Angie, after more than 15 years away, is only just discovering the town’s unsettling past when she suddenly finds herself drawn almost inexplicably to a mysterious stranger. As her fascination teeters on obsession, the lines between folklore and reality begin to blur. The deeper she falls, the more bizarre and perilous her world becomes, forcing her to question whether Pottersville’s legends are merely stories or sinister truths waiting to be unearthed.
Clark’s prose is immersive, laced with dreamlike imagery and shifting perspectives that mirror Angie’s spiraling sense of uncertainty. The novel thrives on atmosphere, treading the delicate space between reality and fantasy, pulling the reader into Angie’s growing unease. Each revelation is a fragment of a larger, enigmatic puzzle, one she must piece together with only fleeting guidance. Despite its compelling premise, Feast of Valentine falters where it should shine. The Heart Binder, a central symbol of the town’s legacy, remains frustratingly underexplored. Hinted at rather than truly dissected, its significance lingers on the periphery rather than being meaningfully integrated into the narrative’s climax.
At its core, the novel brims with potential, delivering moments of gripping tension and intrigue. The suspense builds masterfully, reaching exhilarating heights that keep the pages turning. While the conclusion unfolds with an unexpected abruptness, it leaves room for interpretation, encouraging readers to ponder its deeper implications. Feast of Valentine is a fascinating enigma, both captivating and thought-provoking, compelling yet open-ended. It held me spellbound until the very last page, leaving me eager for more and reflecting long after the final chapter.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0DTGXQR1H
Misunderstanding
Misunderstanding is a raw and poignant story that delves deep into the lives of two young girls, Alice and Lilly, who form an unlikely yet heartwarming bond against the backdrop of their turbulent lives. The story traces their journey from childhood, marked by trauma and resilience, into adolescence, where their friendship becomes both a refuge and a source of strength. It contrasts the bleak realities of abuse and neglect with moments of courage, loyalty, and tender humanity.
The author’s writing is incredibly vivid and emotionally gripping. From the first chapter, I felt plunged into Alice’s world, where playing with a battered deck of cards in a dingy trailer represents her only escape from a harsh reality. The scene where Alice’s father storms into their home, unleashing chaos and violence, left a knot in my stomach. The author doesn’t shy away from portraying the grim truth of Alice’s life, yet through it all, Alice’s spirit shines—a beacon of strength in her dark world. The way her imagination transforms mundane objects into rich, creative stories is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
On the other hand, Lilly’s life, although materially comfortable, is emotionally hollow. Her mother’s obsession with appearances and her father’s passive enabling create a veneer of perfection masking dysfunction. The scene in which Lilly timidly watches her mother’s frantic dress selection struck me deeply. It underscored how Lilly is often left to navigate her mother’s whims and insecurities alone. The stark contrast between Alice and Lilly’s circumstances highlights how trauma can take many forms—some glaring, others insidious.
The friendship between Alice and Lilly is the heart of the book. Their bond, forged in innocence and mutual understanding, becomes a lifeline for both girls. A standout moment is when Alice defends Lilly at the playground, facing down bullies with a ferocity that belies her small stature. It’s both touching and powerful. Their friendship is further tested and deepened at summer camp, where they face external threats and internal doubts. The pacing in some sections feels uneven, with intense moments sometimes overshadowing quieter, reflective scenes that I think could have added more depth to the characters’ emotional journeys. Even so, the scenes of Alice asserting her dominance over camp bullies or Lilly finding her own voice are uplifting and satisfying.
The book also raises questions about resilience and justice. The harrowing chapter where Alice is attacked by Oliver is difficult to read but important. It confronts the readers with the stark reality of abuse and the societal systems that often fail victims. Alice’s courage in recounting the event and her determination to move forward are inspiring, though the lingering injustice is a bitter pill to swallow. This section is handled with sensitivity and nuance, keeping the focus on Alice’s perspective and strength. While the story is emotionally powerful and deeply moving, I felt it occasionally relies on familiar tropes of trauma and redemption.
This book is a compelling and emotional read that I would recommend to anyone interested in stories about resilience, friendship, and the complexity of human relationships. It is especially suited for readers who appreciate layered characters and narratives that balance darkness with hope. While it doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, it also reminds us of the power of connection and the strength found in even the youngest hearts.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0DTF6124W
A Change in Destiny: Dark Suspicions
Janet K. Shawgo’s Dark Suspicions delivers a rich tapestry of crime fiction, weaving a morally intricate plot with compelling characters. This multi-layered sequel thrusts FBI investigator Brian Deeds into a labyrinthine fraud case that spirals into unimaginable complexity. Adding to the intrigue are twin sisters Charlie and Dani Edwards, whose enigmatic bond and tangled secrets elevate the story to gripping heights. The dynamic between the twins kept me on edge, constantly questioning their motives and intentions.
Among the cast, Charlie and Dani stand out as the most intriguing characters. Their contrasting personalities—Charlie’s calm, calculated demeanor and Dani’s impulsive, emotional nature—create a captivating interplay. From the outset, the writing gripped me, vividly rendering their world with an atmosphere of suspense and unease. However, while the twins’ actions often drive the plot, their inner thoughts and motivations could have been explored further. In contrast, Brian’s character receives extensive development, painting a detailed picture of his obsession with justice and the toll it takes on his life. Shawgo’s prose shines in its ability to transport readers to vividly described settings, whether it’s the bustling streets of Galveston during New Year’s celebrations or the high-stakes environment of FBI operations. These richly detailed backdrops amplify the tension, serving as a canvas for moments of quiet reflection and explosive conflict alike. Themes of trust, betrayal, and obsession are intricately woven into the narrative, particularly through Brian’s relentless pursuit of justice and the unraveling of his personal life.
Dark Suspicions is a masterfully crafted thriller, brimming with unpredictable twists and emotional depth. The chaotic interplay between Charlie and Dani and Brian’s relentless chase for truth creates an irresistible whirlwind of suspense. Fans of psychological drama and crime thrillers will find themselves hooked until the final page. It’s a story that lingers, leaving readers both satisfied and eager for more.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B0DK3SN4PK
When Something Isn’t Quite Right
This Must Be The Place follows Alex Whitaker and his friends, who must unravel the dark secrets of a town before its promises of perfection become their trap. What inspired you to create the surreal, almost dreamlike setting of Harmony Springs?
The inspiration for Harmony Springs came from that eerie feeling we all get sometimes when something seems too perfect. You know those small towns in Hallmark movies where everything is just right? I wanted to take that concept and give it a dark, psychological twist. Through my own travels, I’ve experienced those unsettling moments where something just feels “off” about a place – that inexplicable sense that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t put your finger on why. The town became a character itself – beautiful but suffocating, perfect but deeply wrong. I drew from classics like The Twilight Zone and modern works exploring liminal spaces, as well as my personal experiences with places that just didn’t feel quite right, to create a setting that feels both familiar and unsettling. The idea that paradise could be a prison was fascinating to explore.
Alex grows increasingly paranoid as the story progresses. How did you balance his perspective with the allure of the town to keep readers questioning the truth?
That was such a delicate balancing act! I wanted readers to feel the same uncertainty Alex experiences – is he losing his mind, or is he the only one seeing clearly? By contrasting his mounting suspicions with his friends’ contentment, I tried to create that nagging doubt we all feel when we’re the only one noticing something’s wrong. Some readers have noted the repetitive nature of certain elements in the book, and that was absolutely by design. I consciously used repetition as a literary device to create an almost incantatory rhythm, a deliberate echo that mirrors how certain thoughts and memories continually resurface in our minds. While this technique may feel intense at times, much like how our own recurring thoughts can become overwhelming, it serves to draw readers into the emotional landscape of the narrative. The repetitive elements were specifically designed to make readers feel that same mounting tension and desperation to “get out.” The town’s perfection had to be seductive enough that readers would understand why others might want to stay, even as they root for Alex to uncover the truth. It’s like that moment when you’re having a nightmare but part of you doesn’t want to wake up – that’s the feeling I was chasing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
t its heart, “This Must Be The Place” explores how we deal with loss, grief, and acceptance. Through Alex’s journey, I wanted to examine the weight of family expectations, particularly through his complicated relationship with his father. The book also dives into questions about reality versus illusion, and how far we might go to maintain comfortable lies rather than face difficult truths. Identity and self-discovery were crucial themes – each character has to confront who they really are beneath the roles they play. Plus, there’s the eternal question: what price would you pay for perfection?
Each character in Alex’s group feels vividly unique. How did you approach crafting such distinct personalities while keeping them central to the story’s suspense?
I was fortunate to draw inspiration from my own life for these characters. I have four very special friends who I’ve known for decades – the kind of friends you’d actually want to go on a road trip with – and we’re all uniquely different from each other on so many levels. Those real-life dynamics and contrasts helped me create authentic, distinct personalities for Alex’s group. I wanted each character to have their own “perfect trap” that Harmony Springs could offer them. Casey’s desire for athletic glory, Morgan’s pursuit of knowledge, Jamie’s artistic ambitions – these weren’t just character traits, but potential weaknesses the town could exploit. By giving each friend their own arc and struggles, their resistance or surrender to the town’s influence became part of the larger mystery. It was important that readers care about each character’s fate while wondering who might be next to succumb to Harmony Springs’ allure. The genuine differences between my own friends helped me create characters who feel real and whose unique perspectives add different layers to the story’s suspense.
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When Alex Whitaker and three friends stumble upon this picturesque town during their carefree road trip, they’re instantly captivated by its idyllic beauty and warm hospitality.
But beneath the flawless facade, something isn’t quite right. Time behaves strangely, escape seems impossible, and the town seems to know their deepest desires and fears.
As unsettling cracks appear in Harmony Springs’ perfect veneer, Alex and his friends must confront dark secrets – both the town’s and their own.
In a place where perfection is eternal, what price must be paid for paradise?
This Must Be The Place
An unexpected car breakdown in the midst of a road trip throws Alex Whitaker and his three closest friends into the heart of a peculiar town. As the hours slip by, they must race to uncover the truth about where they’ve landed—and whether they can trust those around them. This Must Be The Place by Beth Curry is an engrossing tale of mystery, laced with surreal moments and enigmatic characters, all while hinting at a deeper, hidden message waiting to be unraveled.
At first glance, Harmony Springs appears idyllic—tranquil, picturesque, and utterly inviting. When Alex and his companions find themselves stranded, the townsfolk embrace them with an almost unsettling warmth. Every need is met with uncanny precision, their wishes granted as though by magic. While his friends revel in the town’s charm, Alex grows uneasy. Small, eerie details start to unravel the illusion: the perpetually cheerful residents, the strange manipulation of time, and the subtle yet persistent resistance to their departure. What begins as a haven soon morphs into a cage. Is the town truly a sanctuary or a carefully constructed trap? With his friends blinded by the allure, Alex must uncover the town’s secrets and find a way out—before it’s too late.
From the opening page, Curry pulls readers into an immersive world steeped in intrigue. Every moment crackles with tension as each peculiar event draws readers deeper into the mystery. The narrative expertly blurs the line between reality and illusion, leaving both Alex and the audience questioning everything. The mounting paranoia is palpable, creating a reading experience as unsettling as it is mesmerizing. By the final page, the story delivers not only an electrifying conclusion but also a poignant message of resilience and self-discovery.
Curry’s characters shine with depth and individuality. Each member of Alex’s group carries a distinct personality, making their joys, doubts, and fears resonate on the page. Through their eyes, we witness the pull of Harmony Springs: a place where dreams seem tangible but at a cost. As the group navigates this emotional minefield, the narrative pushes them toward growth and hard-won realizations about themselves. Along the way, clues scattered throughout the town create a breadcrumb trail for Alex and readers alike, driving the suspense toward its riveting climax.
Suspenseful, thought-provoking, and richly atmospheric, This Must Be The Place captivates from start to finish. Curry takes readers on a twisting journey that isn’t just about uncovering secrets—it’s about confronting the allure of perfection and the truths we hide from ourselves. Will Alex and his friends escape the magnetic pull of Harmony Springs or succumb to its promises of fulfillment? The answers lie in a tale that will ignite your imagination.
Pages: 373 | ASIN: B0DFVSH5L7
LITERARY TITAN 